Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) Focus: Learning Analytics (100% TV-L E13 , fixed-term contract until July 31, 2030)
The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology at the University of Tübingen invites applications for the following position to be filled as soon as possible:
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d)
Focus: Learning Analytics
(100% TV-L E13[1], fixed-term contract until July 31, 2030)
We are seeking a highly motivated person from the fields of psychology, empirical educational research, data science, education sciences, cognitive science, or related disciplines who is eager to engage deeply with topics related to learning, motivation and development of gifted and talented students.
The successful candidate will be part of the team of the scientific monitoring of the Hector Children’s Academies Program (HCAP). The HCAP is funded by the Hector Foundation II and is supported by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The HCAP provides additional educational opportunities for highly gifted elementary school children at 69 locations across Baden-Württemberg. The program aims to foster individual talents through a diverse range of course offers in STEM.
To support and expand these course offers, the HCAP additionally maintains a Moodle platform that provides a digital learning environment for the HCAP, with over 17,000 students, 700 instructors, and over 100 courses offered annually. As part of the scientific monitoring team of the HCAP, this position will do research with the Moodle platform. The focus will be on applying learning analytics methods to analyse student engagement, course effectiveness, and instructional design. The insights gained will be used to provide feedback to the HCAP and other stakeholders involved in the program.
The successful candidate will work closely with Professors Ulrich Trautwein, Jessika Golle, Katerina Tsarava, as well as with other researchers at the Hector Research Institute.
What we expect from you:
- A PhD in Psychology, Education Sciences, Learning Analytics, Data Science, Cognitive Science, or a related field,
- prior experience in educational data mining or learning analytics tools and methodologies demonstrating the ability to make sense of data from educational contexts grounded in theories,
- experience with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis,
- familiarity with statistical software and programming languages (e.g., R, SPSS; Python) and ideally data storage languages (e.g. SQL, or similar),
- excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with practitioners and effectively bridge the gap between research and practice,
- strong interest in research on education, online learning platforms, and student learning behaviours,
- ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams, with excellent organizational and communication skills,
- fluency in English; proficiency in German is an advantage but not mandatory.
What we can offer you:
- An inspiring and collaborative environment where you can fully realize your passion for education and research,
- intensive supervision and diverse opportunities for further trainings as part of academic career development,
- support for interdisciplinary and international exchange,
- integration into the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network and the Tübingen Postdoctoral Academy for Research on Education PACE,
- inclusion in a dynamic team of motivated researchers passionate about education and giftedness.
For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Ulrich Trautwein (ulrich.trautwein@uni-tuebingen.de) or Dr. Björn Rudzewitz (bjoern.rudzewitz@uni-tuebingen.de).
The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology is an intra-university research institute at the University of Tübingen that investigates individual, social, and institutional determinants of learning and educational processes. We employ a wide range of methodological approaches, from large-scale assessments and longitudinal studies to laboratory experiments and randomized field studies. Our close collaboration with schools and educational institutions enables us to provide evidence-based insights for improving the education landscape. Nationally and internationally, our research institute is one of the leading centres for empirical educational research. As an interdisciplinary team, we work in a well-equipped building located directly adjacent to Tübingen’s historic old town. More information about us and our institute can be found at www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de. For more job opportunities at the Hector Research Institute, please visit the following webpage https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/45295.
We hope to have sparked your interest and kindly ask you to submit your complete and compelling application (including a CV and certificates) as a PDF document, mentioning the reference “Postdoc Learning Analytics”, as soon as possible or latest by March 23, 2025, via email to: jobs@hib.uni-tuebingen.de.
Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference. The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. It therefore takes individual life situations into account and asks for relevant information. The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women to apply.
Employment will be officially organized by the central university administration.
[1]According to the general pay scale of German universities, the salary will be “E 13TV-L”. Depending on your experience, this corresponds to a monthly salary of around EUR 5.220 (fulltime position, experience level 3, gross pay, before tax). After taxes as a single (i.e. not married or living with a life partner; no children), the monthly salary is at least EUR 3,085 (net salary after taxes and health insurance payments). Your income will increase regularly if you remain employed. Information regarding cost of living in Tübingen: https://tuebingenresearchcampus.com/tuebingen/